Jackson Gets Lit: Your Guide to The Mississippi Book Festival
If you were the kind of kid who was more interested in summer for your library’s annual reading challenge than for the days off from school, Jackson's Mississippi Book Festival is for you.
Bibliophiles’ favorite weekend is quickly approaching with the return of the Mississippi Book Festival on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The event is free and open to the public, featuring panel discussions with renowned authors, independent book signings, open-air booksellers in Author’s Alley, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and more. It’s a “Literary Lawn Party” you won’t want to shelve.
Location
All events will be inside or on the grounds of the Mississippi State Capitol building at 400 High St, Jackson, MS 39201. If you’re coming from I-55, we recommend taking Exit 96B onto High Street and traveling west towards the State Capitol building. Streets closed to traffic for the day include portions of Mississippi Street, N. West Street, and S. Congress Street.
Official Panels & Author’s Alley
Hundreds of local and national contemporary authors will gather in the heart of Jackson to connect with readers through thoughtful (and air-conditioned) panel discussions and exchanges at the Mississippi State Capitol, nearby Galloway Church, and on the grounds. From children’s literature to fiction, narrative non-fiction, poetry, young adult, cookbooks, and more, there’s something for every genre of reader. On Author’s Alley, the stretch of tents along Mississippi Street, find dozens of published and independent authors available to sign and discuss their literary works during the entire length of the festival.
Booksellers & Vendors
Across from the Book Signing Tent, nearly 20 bookstores from around Mississippi and the Southeast set up shop, offering a wide range of books, including special sales, autographed first editions, collectibles, and unique merchandise. And when hunger strikes, you won't have to venture far. Alongside the Capitol, some of Jackson's favorite restaurants and food trucks gather for sweet and savory food and drinks, ensuring you stay fueled for the day.
Information, Volunteers, & Official Merchandise
Festival Guides with maps are located at the information tent (where you’ll also find Visit Jackson answering questions and handing out giveaways), and volunteers are easy to spot in themed shirts in case you have questions along the way. Purchase exclusive 2024 Mississippi Book Festival water bottles, t-shirts, posters, and stickers at the merchandise tent, and find bottled water available there and at most food trucks.
Food Trucks
Local vendors will sell food on West Street. Claim a picnic spot on the lawn or in our shady food pavilion.
Free Parking & Accessibility
The entire festival is handicap accessible with shuttle cart service provided throughout the day from parking garages (along Mississippi, N. West, High, and President Streets), making frequent stops and continuously checking in at the information tent in front of the Capitol entrance. Free parking is available on public streets, at First Baptist Jackson, and in the garages of the Woolfolk and Walter Sillers Buildings.
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Annual Literary Lawn Party, Now in September
400 High Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
(769) 717-2648
Website
Mississippi Book Festival400 High Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201